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Apple is offering battery replacements for a limited number of defective iPhone 5 units

If you’ve noticed a battery problem with your iPhone 5, Apple might have a fix for you. 9to5Mac reports that the company has just initiated a battery replacement program for a limited group of devices sold between September 2012 and January 2013.

You can check eligibility on Apple’s website by entering your serial number. The program is available now in the US and will launch in other countries on August 29. Symptoms include “shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently,” but that applies to just about every iPhone owner I know.

Even if your serial number is eligible, Apple will still want to examine your phone before replacing your battery. You can do so at an Authorized Service Provider, Retail Store or through Apple technical support. If you replaced your iPhone 5 battery on your own, you can check with Apple customer service about a refund.

The program doesn’t affect the general warranty for your iPhone 5, but Apple will offer replacement batteries up through two years after you purchased the iPhone or March 1, 2015, whichever comes later.